R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've added quite a few new RCMP positions since I've become Minister. I sometimes have difficulty keeping them straight, which year we've added them, but I do know that we have added a number of positions in the Member's regions for those communities. And if not this year, the past couple years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

Thank you. Yes, I am aware of that but I'm just asking for Gameti or Wekweeti, and they were not included in there. So, Mr. Speaker, we really need a stronger police presence in Gameti and Wekweeti. There's no detachment or even permanent officers, only visiting officers from time to time. Can the Minister explore opportunities to increase the police presence in Gameti and Wekweeti? Thank you.

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, thank you. I believe year-round police presence in Gameti and Wekweeti is needed. Every time the visiting officers come, the community becomes quiet, and when they leave it becomes lively. The situation is especially hard on elders, you know. I just visited the community over there and the leaders have -- they expressed -- you know, they really want an RCMP station in Gameti and also the elders are having a hard time. It's having an impact on them. So therefore, can the Minister convey to the RCMP the desire for a stronger police presence in the Tlicho communities? Thank you.

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I just mentioned with the population of 104 has a police station. So, Mr. Speaker, small communities should not be denied policing even if we are small, small community, we need law and order in order to keep our residents safe. I realize there are only so many resources but our small community need to be safe. Can the Minister encourage the RCMP to work more closely with leaders in Gameti and Wekweeti to meet their policing needs? Thank you.

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, every time I hear from Members in the House, I do ensure that information is conveyed to the RCMP, and the leadership in those communities have direct relationships with the RCMP as well so I'm sure they're also conveying that information. So, you know, between all of us, I'm sure the message will get out there. Thank you.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Transportation in regards to the Dempster Highway from the corner to the NWT border. Is the Minister working with the Yukon government and the federal Minister to see if we could get any funding jointly to get the highway fixed because the wear and tear on everybody's vehicles is -- like, from the Delta, Mr. Speaker, is there any possible way to make agreement, I guess, with the federal Minister to get monies for that road? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Quyananni. Yes, the Department of Infrastructure is working with the Yukon counterparts. I just want to note, Mr. Speaker, that the Premier Pillai was up in Inuvik for the northern Premiers meeting and, you know, we had discussions on putting a joint submission forward to Canada because the Member is correct, you know, I get a number of concerns that the Dempster Highway is doing a lot of wear and tear. I mean, you know, we as the GNWT has done work from Inuvik's side. You know, we're not done yet but, I mean, we're working towards the border, Mr. Speaker. You're fully aware of the conditions once you pass the border going into the Yukon. You know, we as the northern residents up in the Beaufort Delta, we use the Dempster Highway all the time for our supplies. So, I mean, yes, we are working with the Yukon government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know when I hit the NWT side, that's a real highway right to Tsiigehtchic. That highway's really well maintained, and well done to the department. But, you know, soon as you hit the NWT border southbound, right to the corner, you're pounding out shocks, and the wear and tear on not only the regular community trucks but to all the trucking companies too because the upkeep on that highway's so bad.

But, Mr. Speaker, the question I have right now is when will the Minister be doing that joint submission with the Yukon, and is there a timeline on that to get it submitted to the federal government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you know, I just -- I want to note that at the meeting, you know, we sat at the table. Premier Cochrane was there as well, grand chief for the Gwich'in Tribal Council was also at the table. We had really in-depth discussions. It's also a priority. And the grand chief had also mirrored some of my concerns as well. So, I mean, we are working together from the region to be able to further discuss. You know, it is important because it's a vital link standpoint for resupply but, you know, tourism opportunities as well that benefit both jurisdictions in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Arctic sovereignty, for example, is most importantly. Road safety for both territories. Mr. Speaker, we are working with the government. Premier Pillai had promised me that he would look into perhaps putting some money into the Yukon side. So I'm looking forward to furthering that discussion with him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.